
Festive Journey Through New Zealand
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Celebrate the festive season in style on this 17-day journey from Christchurch to Auckland, showcasing the best of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. You’ll explore alpine landscapes, cruise through Milford Sound, and ride the iconic TranzAlpine, with time in Queenstown, Wellington, Rotorua and the Bay of Islands. Christmas Day is spent cruising Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw, complete with a traditional lunch, while New Year’s Eve brings a memorable Maori Hangi and celebration in Rotorua. With a relaxed pace, quality stays and immersive experiences, this tour is a memorable way to see New Zealand over the holidays.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Overview
Duration
17 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
ChristchurchEnds
AucklandMinimum Age
16 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in New Zealand that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - Escorted by a professional driver-guide and experienced tour leaderCountry
New ZealandMeals Included
Breakfast: 16, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 12Passengers
$12,550.00
$9,999.00
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 32
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - Escorted by a professional driver-guide and experienced tour leaderGroup Size
Min 1 / Max 32Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursTrip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Christchurch

On arrival in Christchurch, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your tour leader and fellow travellers before dinner.
Please note: For arrivals later than 8.00pm, dinner is not included.
Day 2 - Christchurch City Tour & Tram Ride

This morning we visit the International Antarctic Centre for an interactive and informative insight into life in Antarctica. Afterwards, enjoy a city tour of Christchurch, discovering its history and culture.
Later, take a leisurely ride on the Christchurch Tram. This evening is free for you to explore the city’s dining scene at your own pace.
Day 3 - Admire Lake Tekapo & Transfer to Twizel via Mount Cook

After an introductory city sights tour, we depart Christchurch and travel across the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See its striking turquoise waters, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue.
Continue through spectacular mountain scenery, including views of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. There is also an opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Southern Alps, weather permitting, before we continue to Twizel.
Day 4 - Take the Waitaki River to Oamaru & Enjoy Free Time in Dunedin

Depart Twizel and view Lake Benmore before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, a town known for its impressive limestone buildings. Continue south to Dunedin, where we enjoy a city sights tour followed by free time.
Day 5 - Explore Larnach Castle & Travel to Te Anau

This morning we travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, where a guided tour reveals its tragic and scandalous past. Enjoy a Devonshire Tea and time to explore the gardens, recognised as a Garden of International Significance.
We then farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland. This evening, you may wish to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves on an optional excursion.
Day 6 - Milford Sound Cruise & Continue to Queenstown

Depart Te Anau for a memorable drive to Milford Sound. Here we board our launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord, with views of Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak. Lunch is served on board.
This afternoon we continue to Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, where we stay for the next two nights in this popular alpine resort.
Day 7 - Christmas Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station

Merry Christmas! Today we board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a festive Christmas lunch featuring the best of New Zealand’s high-country cuisine at the Colonel’s Homestead.
Later, reboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a sing-along with the onboard pianist as we cruise back to Queenstown. This evening is free for you to dine at leisure.
Day 8 - Visit the Lakes District Museum & Transfer to Franz Josef

Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. We then continue via Haast Pass to the dramatic West Coast, a region of remarkable natural beauty. As we travel north, admire views of the snow-capped Southern Alps before arriving in Franz Josef. There is time to take an optional scenic flight over the glaciers, weather permitting.
Day 9 - Take the TranzAlpine toward Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory before continuing to Arthur’s Pass. Here we board the TranzAlpine, widely regarded as one of the world’s great train journeys. Travel through rivers, valleys, the Waimakariri Basin, towering viaducts and the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains. On arrival in Christchurch, our coach will be waiting to transfer us to the hotel.
Day 10 - Sail through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington

Travel north along the east coast to the seaside town of Kaikoura. Enjoy the changing scenery as we continue through Marlborough, a region renowned for its food and wine. In Picton, board the Interislander Ferry for a scenic sailing through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington.
Day 11 - Explore Wellington

This morning, spend time exploring Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Using cutting-edge technology, the exhibition brings to life the stories of New Zealanders caught up in extraordinary wartime events.
We then rejoin our coach for an extensive city tour highlighting Wellington’s history and culture. The afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy at leisure.
Day 12 - Admire Huka Falls & Journey to Rotorua

Depart Wellington and travel north, with views of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro. Continue to Lake Taupo and visit the spectacular Huka Falls, then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s best-known geothermal regions.
Day 13 - Uncover Rotorua & Celebrate New Year's Eve

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride. We then visit the Agrodome for an entertaining and informative insight into New Zealand farming life.
Later, visit Te Puia to see the bubbling mud pools and powerful geysers Rotorua is famous for. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before tonight’s Maori Hangi and Concert as we celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Day 14 - Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour

Happy New Year! This morning we depart Rotorua and travel north via Whangarei to the Bay of Islands. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori chiefs and the British Crown.
Day 15 - Explore Bay of Islands

Today we cruise through the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse overlooks Piercy Island, better known as the Hole in the Rock. Keep watch for dolphins and other marine life along the way before returning to Paihia for a free afternoon.
Optional activities are available, or you may prefer to relax by the waterfront. This evening is also free, and you may choose to join an optional dinner cruise.
Day 16 - Visit Matakohe & Discover Auckland

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei to Matakohe. Visit the Kauri Museum and enjoy an informative talk before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening, enjoy a pre-dinner drink before our farewell dinner, a chance to reflect on the journey and memories shared.
Day 17 - Goodbye Auckland

Your New Zealand holiday comes to an end today. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable festive season tour.
Please note: if departing the hotel before the restaurant opens, breakfast is not included.
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Reviews
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.











Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
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